Getting Along With People Different Than Us

Too often we write people off without really getting to know them or their stories. Getting along with people different than us can be easier than we think. These 5 steps to building stronger friendships can get you started!

As a self-proclaimed “people person,” getting along with others has always been very important to me.

No matter your personality type or whether you are a “people person,” building relationships might be easier than you think.

We don’t have to limit relationships to people like ourselves. We can build relationships on thousands of shared experiences–like meeting for coffee, sharing a playdate, or even having a ten-minute conversation at the park.

The truth is, God made us all for connection, and a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our spouse, friend, kids, coworkers, and even God, is attainable. Everyone wants to be loved, celebrated, respected, and known.

The following are my favorite ways to connect with others and, yes, get along with those who are different than you:

1. Ask questions.

My husband laughs and sometimes kicks me under the table when I get into what he calls “journalism mode.” I was a journalism major in college, and journalists ask lots of questions.

But I don’t ask questions to interrogate people. Rather, asking questions helps you get to know people–and pinpoint the things you do have in common.

There are many people who, on the surface, may look different than us. Once you begin to ask questions, you might discover that you are more alike than you think.

Try not to write someone off by your initial impression of them. Do they seem to have a bad attitude? Perhaps they are just having a bad day. Asking genuine questions to get to know someone can go a long way.

2. Listen.

Nothing can kill a relationship faster than doing all the talking–and talking only about yourself all the time!

People want to be known, and the best way to achieve that with others is to have others listen to them!

When you ask questions, don’t just wait to give your own answers. Truly listen to the other person.

Ask follow-up questions to clarify what they are saying.

3. Seek shared experiences.

Once you pinpoint an area–any area–of commonality with your loved one or brand new friend–seek to share experiences together based on that common interest.

4. Avoid areas of conflict.

I’m not saying to sweep areas of conflict under the rug with your spouse or a close friend.

If you’re just forming a friendship with someone, it won’t help to be argumentative about an area where you differ.

There are some topics to avoid if you think they will hurt the friendship.

(Breastfeeding versus formula feeding is a common one with new moms. Even though I’m passionate about breastfeeding, I make sure people know I am not going to beat them over the heads about it or judge them for their choices to do something different. There are many reasons why people make certain choices, and most things aren’t our business to judge.)

5. Kill the comparison.

Comparison can kill friendships, so we need to kill comparison!

The story usually goes something like this: We make acquaintance with someone, add them as a friend on Facebook or Instagram, and begin to make assumptions of their life based on their posts.

In his new book, I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me , John Ortberg writes: “A number of studies have found that people become more depressed and anxious the more time they spend on social media….We use technology to project an image of our lives that really isn’t true.”

And it’s those half truths (whether they are intentionally that or not) that we use to form judgements of others that might turn into true friendships–if we look past our initial impressions.

I’d Like Your More If You Were More Like Me

If you need inspiration, encouragement, and practical advice for strengthening your relationships and getting along with people different than you, I highly recommend the new book by John Ortberg, I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me .

God created us for deep connections. When people have deep connections, says John Ortberg, they win in life.

When they don’t have deep connections, they cannot win in life. I’d Like You More If You Were More Like Me offers help in overcoming one of the biggest obstacles to making deep connections: the fact that we’re so different. Different from God and different from each other.

An intimate relationship with God and other people doesn’t have to be a cliché. It can be a daily way of life.

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Grace-Filled,Healthy Homemaking

I’m Erin. Follower of Jesus. Wife to Will. Mommy to a lovely trio of redheaded girls and one sweet baby boy. Professional dreamer. Drinker of chai tea and peppermint mochas. Recovering overwhelmed homemaker. I’m here to encourage, educate, and empower you to live a grace-filled, natural life. Won’t you join me?